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National Aquarium Begins Remediation of Middle Branch Property
Potts & Callahan, Inc. contracted to restore contaminated land in preparation for Waterfront Park
Baltimore -- The Center for Aquatic Life and Conservation, Inc. (CALC), an affiliate of the National Aquarium, has begun brownfield remediation of its waterfront property located along the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River at 101 West Dickman Street in Baltimore. The remediation contract was awarded to Potts & Callahan, Inc. and is expected to be completed by June 2010.
The 12.5 acre development site, recognized as a brownfield site, was created by filling a shallow flat in the river with construction and demolition debris from various projects around the city including the construction of Interstate 95. The remediation work is the first of a phased development process slated for this property.
Potts & Callahan, Inc. was retained by the National Aquarium in the fall due to their experience in constructing and successfully completing earthwork and environmental remediation projects. Upon retainer, the firm began working with EA Engineering and the Maryland Department of the Environment to identify contaminants and develop a strategy to safely remediate the site.
"We are happy to have reached this important milestone in the restoration of another Baltimore City waterfront," said Dave Pittenger, executive director of the National Aquarium. "We are confident in Potts & Callahan's ability to transform this contaminated and underused piece of property, and glad to have engaged a local business that offers local employment."
The primary ground remediation work includes installation of 18" to 24" of certified clean soil across the entire site, followed by the installation of grasses to stabilize the soil. In addition, all illegally dumped debris, trash and invasive grasses are being removed from the site, repairs are being made to the damaged shoreline, and a vegetated swale is being installed to manage storm water. Final pieces of the project include asphalt repairs to the existing parking and the construction of a small visitor parking lot with landscape development.
"The contaminants we found at this site are typical of urban redevelopment and we are confident that our remediation strategy will safely restore this property," said Ken Leahy, Vice President of Potts & Callahan. "We are honored to have a hand in the redevelopment of this great piece of land in Baltimore City."
Funding for brownfield remediation on this property has been secured from public and private sources, including the Maryland Department of the Environment, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which awarded CALC a $200,000 grant. The Aquarium is especially grateful for the continued support of Congressman Elijah Cummings, Congressman John Sarbanes, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Senator Barbara Mikulski, Senator Ben Cardin and former Senator Paul Sarbanes. Other partners for this project include Ayers St. Gross, RKK, CapEx Advisory Group and Coastal Resources, Inc.
The second phase of development will include a publically-accessible waterfront park for the City of Baltimore and its residents. Plans for the park will be announced as they are determined by the City of Baltimore and the National Aquarium.
Through transforming experiences, the National Aquarium inspires people to enjoy, respect, and protect the aquatic world. It is dedicated to education and conservation through more than a dozen programs that serve the environment and the community.
